8 Summer Law Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you are a high school student with a passion for law or criminal justice, summer programs offer an incredible chance to dive deeper into these dynamic fields. Whether you're interested in honing your debate and courtroom skills, exploring forensic science, or understanding the intersection of law and technology, these programs can provide a hands-on, immersive experience that goes far beyond what’s taught in the classroom.
By participating in mock trials, working alongside legal professionals, and engaging in real-world simulations, you’ll gain insight into the daily responsibilities of lawyers, judges, and forensic experts. These programs are designed not only to introduce you to the fundamentals of legal studies but also to help you explore specialized areas such as criminal justice, civil rights law, and digital forensics. In addition to learning practical skills, you’ll get a firsthand look at the impact of law on society and how you can make a difference in your community.
If you're looking to get a head start on your legal career, here’s a look at 8 exceptional summer law programs in Florida designed to equip you with the knowledge, connections, and experiences to fuel your legal ambitions. Whether you’re aiming to pursue law school or simply curious about the world of justice, these programs will help set you on the path toward achieving your goals.
The Lumiere Education Research Programs are ideal for high school students eager to delve deep into academic research, allowing them to explore their passions and contribute original ideas to their fields of interest. These programs are meticulously designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct rigorous research under the guidance of scholars and industry experts.
The program offers three distinct research pathways tailored to different levels of student commitment and goals.
The Individual Research Program is a 12-week experience where students explore a topic of their choice, guided by nine one-on-one mentoring sessions, culminating in a 15-page research paper.
For those aiming to publish their work, the Premium Research & Publication Program extends over 16-20 weeks, providing 15 mentoring sessions, writing coaching, and specialized publication support to develop a high-quality, publishable paper.
The Research Fellowship is a 6-12 month commitment for students seeking an in-depth research experience, involving original data collection and analysis, 24-30 mentoring sessions, and comprehensive support from writing and publication specialists to produce significant scholarly contributions.
Participants gain valuable insights into advanced research methodologies, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and tackle complex issues under expert guidance. Whether your interests lie in AI, biomedical engineering, or political science, the program equips you with the skills needed to excel in both college applications and future academic pursuits.
Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world.
Cost: $2,990 (12 weeks) | $5,900 (16-20 weeks). Need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary based on cohort.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school. Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4).
2. Veritas AI
Veritas AI offers high school students an immersive journey into the world of artificial intelligence, providing a structured yet flexible environment to learn and apply cutting-edge AI technologies. These programs, created by Harvard graduate students and alumni, range from collaborative learning in the AI Scholars program to the more intensive AI Fellowship, where students work on individual research projects with personalized mentorship from Ph.D. candidates at top institutions.
The AI Scholars Program is a 25-hour introductory course designed for beginners, where students explore key AI concepts like linear regression, CNNs, and AI ethics through interactive workshops and discussions, culminating in a collaborative group project that reinforces their learning and provides a showcase for college applications.
For those with prior Python and computer science experience, the 12-15 week AI Fellowship offers a more advanced, personalized experience, pairing students with a mentor to develop a unique AI project, with continuous feedback and opportunities for publication or presentation that allow participants to contribute meaningfully to the AI community.
Location: Virtual.
Cost:
$2,290 for the AI Scholars program (10-week bootcamp)
$5,400 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks, 1;1 mentorship)
$6,900 for both AI Scholars + Fellowship.
Need-based financial aid is available.
Program dates: Multiple cohorts run throughout the year.
Application deadline: Rolling. Applications for the summer are between February and May.
Eligibility: High school students from around the world with a keen interest in AI can apply. For the AI Fellowship program, applicants will either need to complete the AI Scholars program or have had past experience with AI concepts or Python.
Ladder Internships immerses high school students in the professional world by connecting them with startups across diverse industries. This virtual program enables students to actively participate in real-world projects, gaining hands-on experience while working alongside experienced professionals.
As a participant, you will start your journey with a personalized placement process that matches you with a company based on your interests and career goals. Once placed, you will delve into your assigned projects, applying your skills to tackle real challenges faced by the startup. Throughout the 8-week program, you will receive guidance from both a company mentor and a Ladder Coach, who provides additional support and guidance by acting as a second mentor. This dual support structure ensures that students receive comprehensive guidance as they navigate their internships, enhancing both their technical and soft skills.
By the end of the internship, you will be expected to complete and present a comprehensive project to your company and peers, demonstrating the impact of your work. Additionally, you will also benefit from interactions with leaders in your chosen field, including professionals with prestigious backgrounds like ex-Harvard and ex-Microsoft experts, which can lead to valuable recommendations and future opportunities!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting at $2,490, 100% need-based financial aid available.
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates and gap year students.
4. Horizon
The Horizon Academic Research Program provides high school students with a unique chance to immerse themselves in advanced research across a wide range of disciplines, such as law, data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. Over the course of a trimester, students embark on an intellectually stimulating journey where they select a specific subject track that aligns with their passions and academic goals.
Central to the Horizon Academic Research Program is its personalized mentorship approach, where students are paired with professors or PhD scholars from renowned universities. These mentors play a crucial role in guiding students through every step of the research process—from selecting a research question to conducting in-depth analysis and ultimately crafting a 20-page research paper.
Throughout the program, students benefit from tailored feedback that helps them refine their work and maintain a high level of academic rigor. By the end of the trimester, participants not only complete a substantial research paper but also gain the chance to submit their work to academic journals, conferences, or competitions, potentially earning recognition for their scholarly efforts. Successful students may even receive letters of recommendation from their mentors!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies
Program dates:
Summer seminar: June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
Fall seminar: October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Application deadline: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
The University of South Florida (USF) Summer Camps offer high school students a comprehensive introduction to legal studies and trial advocacy through two distinct programs: Mock Trial: Cybercrime and Law, and the JGHC Summer Scholar Institute: Mock Trial Intensive.
The Mock Trial: Cybercrime and Law program immerses students in the complexities of the American justice system with a focus on digital law. Over the course of the camp, you will explore fundamental legal concepts and courtroom procedures, including opening and closing arguments, cross-examination, and evidentiary objections. Further, you will also engage in hands-on activities such as analyzing digital evidence and crafting arguments, assuming the roles of attorneys and witnesses in mock trials.
The JGHC Summer Scholar Institute: Mock Trial Intensive caters to students with a keen interest in deepening their mock trial skills and understanding of the legal profession. This rigorous week-long program, hosted by USF's Judy Genshaft Honors College, is led by a national award-winning mock trial coach and supported by collegiate competitors and law students. The camp covers the entire trial process, including advocacy, argument construction, courtroom decorum, and public speaking. The week culminates in a mock trial held in Stetson Law School courtrooms, providing a real-world experience of the legal process.
Additional activities include panels on legal careers and law school admissions, offering students a comprehensive view of the legal field and enhancing their preparation for future studies and careers in law.
Location: USF Sarasota/Manatee/Tampa and Stetson University
Cost: $350 - $2,000, depending on the duration and features of the program.
Program dates: To be announced for 2025.
Application deadline: To be announced for 2025.
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 10 to 12 can apply.
The Stetson Young Scholars Pre-Law Camps provide high school students with an immersive introduction to the world of law, offering hands-on experience in various aspects of trial and appellate practice. These camps are a great opportunity for students who are passionate about law and want to develop critical thinking, public speaking, and legal reasoning skills in a supportive yet challenging environment. With a maximum of 12 students per camp, participants receive personalized attention and a focused learning environment.
The Stetson Young Scholars Pre-Law Camps offer high school students an in-depth exploration of legal practice through three distinct programs.
The Trial Skills Camp focuses on argument construction and courtroom presentation. Students learn how to apply the Federal Rules of Evidence and refine their advocacy skills through rigorous practice.
The Mock Trial Camp provides an in-depth look at criminal and civil trial procedures. Participants engage in evidence presentation, build persuasive arguments, and perform in mock trials.
Lastly, the Moot Court Camp challenges students to argue a fictional appeal. Under the guidance of real attorneys, students prepare written briefs and oral arguments, which culminate in a presentation before an actual judge.
These camps provide an authentic glimpse into the world of law, offering practical insights and the opportunity to sharpen legal skills in a supportive environment.
Location: Stetson University, DeLand, FL
Cost: $875 (includes a $100 non-refundable registration fee); need-based scholarships available.
Program dates: No summer camps were held in 2024. Dates for 2025 to be announced.
Application deadline: N/A
Eligibility: Open to high school students residing in the U.S.
The Criminal Justice Summer Camp offers a week-long, immersive experience into the world of criminal justice, providing a dynamic introduction to various aspects of the field. This dynamic camp allows participants to delve into crime scene investigation techniques and gain hands-on experience with forensic evidence collection and analysis. Students also interact with specialized law enforcement units, including bomb squads, K-9 units, and SWAT teams, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the critical work of these teams.
As a participant, you will also have the opportunity to tour key facilities such as law enforcement agencies and the Medical Examiner’s Office, offering an in-depth perspective on the criminal justice system. Additionally, the camp covers fascinating topics like Death Row cases and the FBI’s Most Wanted, giving students a deeper understanding of the legal processes behind criminal investigations.
By the end of the camp, students receive a certificate that not only marks their participation but also enhances their college applications by showcasing their dedication and experience in the field of criminal justice.
Location: FAU Campus, Boca Raton, FL
Cost: $800
Program dates:
Session 1: June 23 - 28, 2024
Session 2: July 14-19, 2024
Application deadline: Closed for 2025. Applications typically close in Spring.
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9 to 12 in Fall 2024 can apply.
The University of Miami’s Summer Scholars Program in Law offers high school students a comprehensive introduction to the legal field through an immersive three-week experience. This program blends theoretical legal studies with courtroom experience, providing a well-rounded view of litigation and legal ethics.
In Courtroom 101: Litigation Basics, students develop persuasive arguments, practice direct and cross-examinations, and refine their courtroom presentation skills. Mock trials and interactive simulations allow participants to apply what they've learned in real-world scenarios using modern courtroom technology.
Introduction to the Legal Profession: Law, Ethics, and Society participants explore the ethical and professional dimensions of legal practice. Through case studies, discussions, and hands-on activities, participants explore legal ethics, the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct, and the broader societal impacts of legal decisions.
The program incorporates lectures, field trips, and hands-on exercises to enhance students' learning experience. Upon completion, students earn six college credit hours, providing a valuable foundation for future academic and career pursuits in law.
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
Cost: Residential Program: $9,057 | Commuter Program: $7,799.
Program dates: June 29 - July 19, 2024
Application deadline: Closed for 2024. Applications typically close in April.
Eligibility: Students who completed grades 10 or 11 in high school and have a GPA of at least 3.0 can apply. International applicants must have a F-1 student visa.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.